Crime/Police
BVI police arrests another female suspect in human trafficking probe
By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said Wednesday (Feb. 8) it has arrested a female on suspicion of money laundering in connection with its ongoing human trafficking investigations in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
The female was subsequently released pending further investigations, the RVIPF said in a press release.
The arrest stemmed from the execution of three additional search warrants, the RVIPF added.
The RVIPF said it can make no further comment on the matter because the investigations are active.
It, however, further stated that “persons are invited to contact Crimestoppers anonymously through its tipline 800 8477 or if overseas call 1-284-800-8477 if there is suspected human trafficking or you are a victim of this modern-day slavery. Persons with information can also call the RVIPF directly through its three-digit access number 311”.
This development comes after 37-year old Genette Colastin of Pockwood Pond, Tortola was arrested and charged in connection with a “complex and far-reaching” ongoing human trafficking investigation, according to a RVIPF statement released on Saturday, Feb. 4.
RVIPF Press Officer Diane Drayton said in the statement that Colastin was among three persons who were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking when police executed a search warrant on Thursday.
Four people believed to be human trafficking victims from another island were rescued and placed in the custody of the Immigration Department.
No further details were released about the alleged victims or the specific circumstances which led to the arrests, however, Police Commissioner Mark Collins said in statement that the human trafficking investigation is “complex and far-reaching”.
Collins further stated that human trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery, is a problem all over the world. He urged residents to contact the police at Crime Stoppers, anonymously, on 284-800-8477, if they suspect human trafficking.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Crime/Police
Two Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
Dalfree Rodriguez De La Rosa, 22, of Hannah’s Estate, Tortola, and John Harvey, 33, of Purcell Estate, Tortola, were arrested on April 16, after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recovered a modified firearm, cannabis and ammunition during a stop-and-check operation in Free Bottom, police said.
According to the RVIPF, officers on patrol conducted the stop and discovered a Glock pistol, a quantity of cannabis and 13 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. The firearm was later identified as a prohibited weapon that had been modified for fully automatic fire.
De La Rosa has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of explosives and possession of a prohibited firearm. Harvey has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.
Acting Commissioner Kenrick Davis, speaking on behalf of the Senior Command Team, commended the officers involved in the operation.
“Their continued professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to duty have significantly contributed to the safety and security of our community,” Davis said.
The RVIPF said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms and drug-related activity across the Territory.
Six new police vehicles have been added to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) fleet as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity in the Territory.
The force stated that the vehicles will support policing operations by improving mobility, response times and visibility across communities in the Virgin Islands.
“These additions form part of our continued efforts to enhance operational capacity and visibility across our communities,” the RVIPF said in a statement.
The vehicles are expected to be deployed on roads throughout the Territory as they begin active patrols in support of law enforcement duties.
The RVIPF also indicated that additional vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, further expanding the resources available to officers.
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